The SAP Store will provide a marketplace where apps and other add-ons can be purchased to enhance the functionality of Business ByDesign services.

SAP describes the store as a place where users of Business ByDesign can find new "applications, mash-ups, new forms, reports and add-ons" for the service.

In the beta store, the different add-ons are grouped by industry, internal business area and solution type.

Add-ons that are popular with other Business ByDesign users or have been sponsored to appear on the front page are also shown.

The store also allows users to search by keyword for a specific type of add-on.

The SAP Store is expected to launch in mid-2011.

Business ByDesign users will be able to access the SAP store from the SAP Business ByDesign user interface, from the SAP Business ByDesign Business Center or through a web browser.

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In the beta store, the user is able to refine search results using filters such as vendor and price.

Clicking on an add-on takes the user through to a page outlining that add-on's features.

The beta version of the store has about 50 apps available. Apps for the store are being built by SAP and partner companies using the software development kit for Business ByDesign, which was rolled out in February.

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Each add-on has its own page in the store where users can view a detailed description of the product, the price, screenshots and user reviews, along with technical and support information.

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Clicking on screenshots allows the user to see the add-on in action - in this case showing a new pipeline report for a sales team designed using Business ByDesign.

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Users can check that an add-on will work with their existing Business ByDesign service by clicking the Compatibility Check button.

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The checkout allows the number of users of an add-on to be entered and gives the total cost of the purchase.

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Both the user and the vendor that produced the add-on will receive emails confirming the purchase.

Money from the sale of each add-on will be shared between the vendor and SAP.

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The service control centre, seen here, allows Business ByDesign users to see the status of different add-ons they have purchased from the store and to post support requests.

SAP says the idea of the store is that users can find the add-on they require, install it and be using it with their Business ByDesign Service within minutes.